An influential committee of British politicians has strongly criticized the new Director General of the Research Councils (DGRC) for failing to spend more than 1 day a week in the job.

The Science and Technology Committee, a cross-party group charged with scrutinizing the spending and policy of public science bodies, said it feared Keith O'Nions could not "contribute fully" to the development of the United Kingdom's 10-year plan for boosting science and innovation if he did not commit more time to the post.

It also raised serious concerns about the precise role of the director general and called on the government to review the responsibilities involved, as well as changing the job description to something more appropriate.

But in a new report, entitled Director General of the Research Councils: Introductory Hearing, the MPs also fully endorse his appointment and describe him as "well equipped for the job."...

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